Hearn Rules Out America For Ruiz-AJ Sequel

Andy Ruiz Jr is the unified world heavyweight champion, but Eddie Hearn continues to make it apparent that it is still “The Anthony Joshua Show.”

Hearn, who acts as the promoter for Joshua, confirmed that Ruiz’s team and his Matchroom Boxing team are still negotiating the contractually obligated rematch of Ruiz’s upset win over Joshua on June 1st.

While Ruiz’s team has done their best to bring the rematch to either Mexico, Los Angeles, or back to Madison Square Garden, Hearn is near a deal to bring Joshua back to the United Kingdom.

“I have been speaking to Ruiz’s team this week, keeping them up to speed with where we’re going,” Hearn told Sky Sports News.

“They don’t want to come to the UK, they never have done. I think they used the Dillian Whyte saga as a little bit of a scapegoat in that decision as well, and we have to take that into consideration.”

“Contractually we know our position,” Hearn continued, “but we want to make sure we get the fight done. We want to respect Andy Ruiz, but we’ll decide where the venue is.”

“A neutral venue, he would be a lot happier with. I think I can rule out America, right now. Cardiff is still the frontrunner, it’s still the favorite.”

“There are some other interesting options that would be quite iconic internationally, which does involve a lot of aggravation logistically, but does involve a spectacle that would be quite unique,” said Hearn of a rematch eyed for November or December.”

“I keep saying this, but in the next 48 hours Andy Ruiz’s team will be alerted to where this fight will take place.”